2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jaguar |
| Model | Corvette | XJS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
